Detroit Tigers Acquire Jeff Baker From Cubs

The Detroit Tigers traded for utilityman Jeff Baker on Sunday, according to multiple reports, sending a pair of minor-leaguers to be named later to the Chicago Cubs for the 31-year-old.

Baker is hitting .269 with four homers and 20 RBI. He has a .275 average against left-handed pitchers with a .309 OBP — the Tigers have been searching for another right-handed bat for their lineup, so Baker fits the bill on the surface, though he doesn’t bring a ton of pop to the table. Baker is a career .270 hitter with 37 homers in seven seasons. He has played first and second base, as well as left and right field for the Cubs this season.
Baker’s arrival, likely for Monday’s game against the Yankees, almost certainly means that Danny Worth will again be shipped back to Toledo following Sunday’s game with the Indians. Worth was called up prior to the afternoon affair to replace Ryan Raburn, who was placed on the DL — Worth’s five call-up from AAA this season.

We’ll update things when we hear which players the Tigers sent to Chicago, though it’s safe to assume the price tag won’t be more than a couple of low-level minor-leaguers. Baker will be a free agent at the end of the season.